Yemen Security Brief

Saudi-led coalition airstrikes targeted positions held by al Houthi-Saleh fighters in Sana’a city on August 31. Airstrikes targeted the War College and Republican Guard bases in northern Sana’a city, and an al Houthi-Saleh weapons cache in Faj Attan area, southwest of Sana’a city. Coalition airstrikes also targeted areas held by al Houthi-Saleh fighters in Ahim district, Hajjah governorate.[1]

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al Jubeir reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for the government led by President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi and called on the al Houthi-Saleh alliance to join the “political process…[to] reach an agreement” on August 31. He stated that “what is certain, not questionable, certain, they [the al Houthi-Saleh faction] will not be allowed to take over Yemen. Period. So the legitimate [Hadi-led] government will be defended.” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced a revised peace plan for Yemen on August 25 based on the formation of a national unity government—an al Houthi-Saleh demand excluded in previous efforts. Al Houthi-Saleh representatives announced they will participate in renewed peace talks only if the Saudi-led coalition ends its air campaign.[2]

Coalition airstrikes struck a residential area in al Sahn district, Sa’ada governorate on August 31. The strike killed 16 people, according to al Houthi-linked news outlets.[3]

Horn of Africa Security Brief

Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces apprehended at least five al Shabaab fighters outside Afgoi town in Lower Shabelle region on August 30. Al Shabaab militants attacked SNA positions in Afgoi on August 29, leading to ongoing clashes in the area and casualties on both sides.[4]

Puntland Deputy President Abdihakim Haji Omar called for greater coordination among Somali security forces to combat al Shabaab on August 31. Security experts have criticized regional governments’ and international bodies’ failure to integrate and coordinate their counter-al Shabaab operations.[5]